Tsuyoshi Nishioka Plays Despite Earthquake

The new second basemen for the Minnesota Twins arrived at Hammond Stadium on Friday morning unaware that Japan had been hit with an 8.9 earthquake, the largest in the country's history. His teammates and coaching staff were concerned about Tsuyoshi Nishioka's family and had asked him if they were fine... That's when Nishioka found out that, while he was preparing for another spring training game, a disaster struck Japan.



Ron Gardenhire offered to give the second basemen the day off in order to get in contact with his family, but after hearing from his wife via email and learning his family was safe, Nishioka played. He played in honor of his countrymen. Now THAT is what I call dedication - I think Nishioka is fitting right in.

Following the 3-2 Twins' win over the BoSox, the TV in Gardy's office was tuned in to continuous coverage regarding the double punch earthquake-tsunami disaster in Japan. In Nishioka's first year in America, it appears he has the full support of his teammates and coaches. Way to be Twins.